--Oklahoma City allowed 140 and 133 points in the two games before facing the Lakers. Giving up 107 to the team with the NBA's best record, despite still losing, was seen as an improvement.

"Our defensive improved from over the weekend," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. "That wasn't the way we wanted to play basketball. We put the weekend behind us and got out there defensively. I liked the way we fought back."

--C Nick Collison didn't have a problem with the decision to move him back to the bench. Despite backing up Nenad Krstic at center, Collison averaged 10 points and 9.5 boards in his first two games as a reserve.

"It really doesn't bother me," Collison said. "I've always said I just want to be able to play minutes. That's the way it goes in the league. There are good players. You've got to earn your time. But I'm fine with it. I've done it my whole career. I've probably cone off the bench more than I've started, so I'll just keep trying to play well."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "They are a tough team to play against. With their defensive concepts, it is hard to score on them. That is what makes them a great team." -- F Kevin Durant after losing to the Lakers.